Microplastics in soils: A comprehensive review

Qilin Kang; Kun Zhang; Stefan C Dekker; Jiefei Mao

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178298

Microplastics in soils: A comprehensive review

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Jan 8:960:178298. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178298. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Qilin Kang¹, Kun Zhang², Stefan C Dekker³, Jiefei Mao⁴

Affiliations

¹ Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
² College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China.
³ Department of Environmental Sciences, Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CB, the Netherlands.
⁴ Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China. Electronic address: mjf@ms.xjb.ac.cn.

PMID: 39787873
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178298

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) have become pervasive pollutants in terrestrial ecosystems, raising significant ecological risks and human health concerns. Despite growing attention, a comprehensive understanding of their quantification, sources, emissions, transport, degradation, and accumulation in soils remains incomplete. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the anthropogenic activities contributing to soil MP contamination, both intentional and unintentional behaviors, spanning sectors including agriculture, domestic activities, transportation, construction, and industry. Furthermore, it examines the spatial distribution, accumulation, and abundance of MPs across various land use types, alongside a critical assessment of existing quantification methodologies. While the predominant metric for MP quantification is particle number concentration, integrating mass and area concentration enhances the ability to compare pollution levels, assess fluxes, and conduct risk analyses. Additionally, the review explores the transport behavior of MPs in soil, distinguishing between external mechanisms (abiotic factors: wind, leaching, and runoff, biotic factors: soil bioturbation and food chain interactions), and internal mechanisms that are impacted by the characteristics of MPs themselves (e.g., shape, color, size, density, surface properties), soil properties (e.g., porosity, pH, ionic strength, organic matter and mineral content), coexisting substances, and soil structural dynamics. The study of MP transport in soil remains in its early stages, with substantial gaps in knowledge. Future research should focus on integrating number, mass concentration, and area concentration for the more holistic quantification of MP abundance, and prioritize the development of more accurate and efficient methodologies. In addition, the investigation of MP transport and degradation processes under varying environmental conditions and soil management practices is critical for addressing this emerging environmental challenge.

Keywords: Distribution; Microplastics; Quantification; Sources; Terrestrial ecosystems; Transport.

Publication types

Review